Backstroke: pauses between arms

Waits with one arm by the side instead of continuous, opposite arm movement.

Activities that help

• Clap the Rhythm – The teacher claps a steady stroke rhythm; swimmers match their strokes to it – helps timing on breaststroke and butterfly especially.
• Mirror Swimming – Pairs swim side by side trying to stay perfectly in time – stroke for stroke – which needs a steady, controlled rhythm.
• Opposite Arms – As one hand enters, the other leaves the water at the thigh – continuous backstroke arms with no pause.